NEW YORK — November 4, 2026. Jaalen Best, the actor portraying Muhammad Ali in Prime Video’s biographical series The Greatest, has revealed that the boxing legend’s widow, Lonnie Ali, had the final say in his casting. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Best recalled the emotional moment when Lonnie approved him for the role after meeting him in Louisville, Kentucky.
LONNIE ALI HAD THE FINAL WORD
According to Best, the casting process lasted approximately 18 months before he received final approval from Ali’s widow.
The actor traveled to Louisville, Muhammad Ali’s hometown, to meet Lonnie in person.
During their conversation, she reportedly recognized something in Best that went beyond his physical resemblance to the legendary heavyweight champion.
Best recalled her telling him, “He’s the one in more ways than you know.”
The encounter became a defining moment in the actor’s journey toward portraying one of the most influential athletes in American history.
MORE THAN A PHYSICAL RESEMBLANCE
Lonnie Ali explained that Best possessed qualities that reminded her of her late husband, including his personality, mannerisms and emotional presence.
She emphasized that the actor had a heart similar to Muhammad’s, an observation that reinforced her confidence in his ability to portray the boxing icon.
For the production team, authenticity was a central priority.
The series aims to explore Ali not only as an extraordinary athlete but also as a young man navigating fame, identity, family relationships and the social tensions of his era.
“THE GREATEST” ARRIVES ON PRIME VIDEO
The eight-episode series premiered on Prime Video on November 4, 2026.
The production focuses on the formative years of Muhammad Ali, when he was still known as Cassius Clay, covering the period from 1960 to 1964.
During those years, Clay won Olympic gold, began his professional boxing career and emerged as a rising heavyweight star before defeating Sonny Liston to become world champion.
The series examines the personal experiences and relationships that shaped his transformation into a global cultural figure.
MICHAEL B. JORDAN JOINS THE PRODUCTION
The Greatest is described as the first authorized scripted television series about Muhammad Ali’s life.
Lonnie Ali serves as an executive producer alongside actor and producer Michael B. Jordan and showrunner Ben Watkins.
Their involvement reflects an effort to combine historical storytelling with the perspective of Ali’s family and the creative approach of contemporary television producers.
JAALEN BEST TAKES ON A LEGENDARY ROLE
Best’s casting was originally announced in July 2024, but Lonnie Ali’s personal involvement has received renewed attention following the show’s October 27 premiere event in New York.
Portraying Muhammad Ali presents a unique challenge because of the boxer’s unmistakable voice, physical movements, confidence and cultural significance.
For Best, receiving Lonnie’s approval represented more than securing a leading role.
It meant earning the trust of someone who knew the man behind the legend.
With the series now reaching audiences, The Greatest offers a new dramatized perspective on the early life of the athlete whose influence extended far beyond boxing.
